Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.31 (2026)

“Motorcycle” defined.

✓ current as of July 2026

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MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE

Act 300 of 1949

257.31 “Motorcycle” defined.

Sec. 31.

"Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle that has a saddle or seat for the use of the rider and is designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground. Motorcycle includes an autocycle, but does not include a tractor.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 2017, Act 94, Eff. Oct. 11, 2017

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases, 1972–2011 · leading case: Auto Club Ins. v. Great Am. Ins. Grp., 800 F. Supp. 2d 877 (E.D. Mich. 2011).

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Auto Club Ins. v. Great Am. Ins. Grp., 800 F. Supp. 2d 877 (E.D. Mich. 2011). · cites it 2× “In fact, the above-quoted statute expressly provides to the contrary if a dirt bike — which readily satisfies the statutory definition of a "motorcycle,” see Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.31 — is being operated on a "public street or highway.”

Great Lakes Motorcycle Dealers Ass'n, Inc. v. Detroit, 196 N.W.2d 787 (Mich. Ct. App. 1972). “While some motorcycle riders may well drive vehicles which are excessively noisy at speeds in excess of the posted limits, there is certainly no valid basis for applying the “Hell’s Angels” conception of the motorcycle rider to all motorcycle users.”

Nelson v. Transamerica Ins. Servs., 470 N.W.2d 456 (Mich. Ct. App. 1991). “MCL 257.31; MSA 9.1831. Defendant, responds that plaintiff was required to register his motorcycle as an orv and that because he failed to do so he is not exempt from the provisions of the no-fault act.”

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